Fury targets Wilder after Haye withdraws from battle of Britain

Tyson Fury believes Deontay Wilder is the man to fill the void left by David Haye pulling out of their on-off British heavyweight superfight.

The Morecambe giant’s uncle and trainer Peter Fury wants his man to fight on February 8 despite the former two-weight world champion cancelling the clash after shoulder reconstruction surgery that has left him facing retirement.

Audley Harrison (left) goes to the floor during his Heavyweight bout against Deontay Wilder at the Motorpoint Arena, Sheffield.

And it appears unbeaten American knockout artist Wilder is the chosen one - Fury having first suggested the clash when Haye originally pulled out of their battle of Britain back in September only for Sky Box Office to deem it not big enough to fill the void on September 28.

The impressive 6ft7in Wilder, who sparred with Haye is preparation for his proposed clash with Fury, has stopped all 30 of his opponents inside four rounds.

The clash is interesting both parties and could act as a final eliminator for a world title shot.

Fury, 25, a former British and Commonwealth champion, tweeted: “Lets see if the klitchkos r willing to fight the winner of @Tyson_Fury & @BronzeBomber (Wilder)?

“You talk the talk @BronzeBomber, now it’s time to walk the walk!! @HennessySports February 8th, @Phones4uArena - Let’s get it on!!”

Wilder replied: “@Tyson_Fury step 1 has been done. We are the top dogs among the hw bro its abt that time. Lets final give the fans what they want. #ImReady.”

The American’s manager Jay Deas said they were now waiting for a firm offer from Fury’s promoter Mick Hennessy.

He told World Boxing News: “Of course we are interested in that fight.

“I think it’s the single biggest fight in the heavyweight division.

“It is one thing to call someone out, but I look forward to seeing if there is an offer.

“If the offer equals the magnitude of the fight and event, then we can begin discussions. I know Peter Fury wants it to happen and so do I, so hopefully it can be worked out.”

Uncle Peter has also suggested the unbeaten Bryant Jennings, former world title challenger Chris Arreola and mandatory WBC title challenger Bermane Stiverne as other possible opponents

Whoever it ends up being, by the time Fury returns to the ring he will have been out of action for 10 months having secured a seven-round stoppage win over Steve Cunningham in New York in April.